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Definition:
The Latin phrase obscuram per obscuris simply means "the obscure through
the more obscure." In practice, it refers to any attempt to explain some
difficult or obscure idea by using even more obscure and difficult ideas. It is a
common problem in philosophy, where the books on concepts like beauty and ethics
become too difficult for anyone without an advanced degree in philosophy to understand.
It can also be used with more average writing which, for example, makes extensive use of Latin phrases in an apparent attempt to make the piece look and sound more scholarly than it really is - or needs to be.
Atheists often complain that the attempt to use "god" as an explanation for the origin of the universe is a case of obscuram per obscuris. It is argued that the universe is a mystery which needs solving, but the purported explanation - "god" is even more mysterious and obscure.
Also Known As: none
Alternate Spellings: none
Common Misspellings: none
Related Resources:
What is Philosophy?
What is philosophy? Is there any point in studying philosophy, or is it a useless subject? What are the different branches of philosophy - what's the difference between aestheitcs and ethics? What's the difference between metaphysics and epistemology?
